Stone Massage - at Home!
Enjoy a Stone Massage–in the Comfort of Your Own Home
Heated stone massage has become a popular form of massage therapy.
It was officially developed in 1993 by massage therapist Mary Hannigan of Tucson, Arizona. One has to wonder if she was inspired by a touching a desert rock heated by the scorching sun to her skin! She has trademarked her unique format of heated stone massage, but each spa offers its own version.
While the “official date” may be 1993, heated stone massage has roots dating back 5,000 years to ancient cultures from throughout the world, including India, Europe, Native American and Mezo-American.
The typical price tag for a heated stone massage is at least $125. It’s a bit more expensive than a traditional massage, as it takes a little longer. So here’s how you can save some dough for your trip to Europe next year, but still enjoy a heated stone massage–in the comfort of your very own home!
* Types of Stones used in a Stone Massage
The most common type of stone to use is basalt. These smooth, black rocks are a type of volcanic rock that absorb and retain heat very well.
Jade and Petoskey stones can also be used. You can purchase stones for heated massage from suppliers recommended by the LaStone Therapy web site.
These stone sources pay special reverence to Mother Earth when harvesting the stones. In the U.S., contact AML Stone Source at amlstonesource@mindspring.com or 602.278.0800. In the UK, contact debbie@lastonetherapy.co.uk or 0044.208.683.8491.
Stones that are flatter are easier to place on specific body areas for several minutes at a time as you recline. It’s important to have a variety of shapes and sizes. For example, you can use small stones between your toes to de-stress and stimulate the nerve endings in your feet.
* How to Use the Stones
The stones are heated in 120- to 150-degree water or dry heat in specialized massage stone heaters. You can purchase a specialized dry-heat stone heater. Try ebay for a great deal.
Therapists typically utilize Swedish massage strokes while holding the heated stones; when a stone begins to cool, they replace it with another warm stone. The heat radiating from the stones helps your muscles relax and release more deeply and quickly than during a traditional massage. It also allows deeper manipulation of muscle tissues.
Heated stones are commonly placed along the spine. They can also be placed in the palms of your hands or between your toes to improve your overall energy. Heated stone massage is particularly helpful if you have sore muscles or inflammation.
Here’s a good massage oil aromatherapy recipe for sore muscles:
* 7 drops of birch oil
* 6 drops of ginger oil
* 6 drops of peppermint
Place the essential oils into a two-ounce bottle. Add olive oil until the bottle is nearly full. Gentle rotate the capped bottle to combine the mixture. Apply the oil to your skin, then massage yourself with the heated stones.
Besides muscles soreness and general relaxation, heated stone massage is particularly effective in taming a wide range of maladies. These include sprains, poor circulation, arthritis, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, back pain, depression, insomnia and stress. People who enjoy heated stone massage also report a deeper connection with nature, a feeling of profundity and sacredness, and connecting to their true essence.
This experience can be deepened by enjoying a heated stone massage in the comfort of your own home!
Sources for this “Stone Massage at Home” article:
“What is Hot Stone Massage?” By Anitra Brown, http://spas.about.com/od/hotstonemassage/a/Hotstone.htm
Hot Stone Therapy, http://www.peacefulmind.com/hotstones.htm
“Indulge in a Hot Stone Massage!” By Francois Rapp, http://www.pioneerthinking.com/fr_stonemassage.html
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ann du - August 23rd, 2007 3:29 am
Dear Sir /Madam :
We are Shanghai MT Furniture Co.,Ltd is specializing in the
hot stone for many years .We have nature hot stone and basalt
hot stone .It contains 36pcs ,45pcs and 64pcs of hot stone .
We also supply stone heater for you :6 quart and 18 quart
If you need sample to check the quality ,please let me know and
you only pay for the air freight of sample .Hope to work with you in near future
Looking forward to your reply
Best regards
Ann